Halloween arrives in ghoulish fashion at Sacramento State when Bat Boy – The Musical flies into the University Theatre Oct. 22-25 and Oct. 28 – Nov. 1. Based on the tabloid story about the creature, the former off-Broadway show has book and lyrics by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music by Laurence O’Keefe. It is directed for Sacramento State by Professor Ed Brazo.

When Bat Boy is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, W.V., he is taken to the local veterinarian, Dr. Parker, to help the creature act like a “normal” boy. But the townspeople turn on him, prodded by Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy. Songs include “Hold Me Bat Boy,” “Another Dead Cow,” and “Let Me Walk Among You.”

It’s almost a rock opera, and music will be provided by a five-person band playing two synthesizers, two guitars and drums. “It’s probably going to be louder than most music we’ve had before,” Brazo says.

Senior Amanda Morish plays Meredith Parker, the mother of the family that takes Bat Boy under its wing. “She has a secret and a past that’s revealed at the end,” she says.

And getting into character for a story such as this hasn’t been much different from more down-to-earth plays. “As bizarre and kind of wack as the concept is, they’re very real people and very real characters,” Morish says.

The audience will get a chance to participate in the fun as well on Halloween. There will be two special performances, at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., for which audience members are invited to come in costume.

Other performances are at 8 p.m., Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 30; 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1; and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28-29. Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. performances are $10 for everyone. All other performances are $15 general admission and $12 for seniors and students. The play contains adult situations that may not be appropriate for young children. Tickets are available at Sacramento State’s Ticket office, (916) 278-4323 or http://www.tickets.com/.